Immigrant Rights Legislation

HB 254 – Prohibit In-State Tuition for DACA Students (2013-2014)

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Summary:

HB 254 prohibits the Board of Regents from considering as an in-state resident any student who is not a U.S. citizen or a U.S. national and has not been granted the right to permanently reside and work in the U.S. This prevents any Ohio college or university from charging in-state tuition to Ohio residents that are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students who have been legally authorized to be present in the country. Under DACA status, children who were brought to the U.S before the age of 16 by their undocumented immigrant parents are approved for work permits and will not be deported for at least 2 years.

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State

Our take on this bill:

The ACLU of Ohio supports the ability of immigrants in Ohio, many of whom have lived here almost all their lives, to get a more affordable higher education degree. HB 254 unfairly punishes children for the actions of their parents and ignores the fact that these students have been authorized by the federal Department of Homeland Security to be legally present in the United States. The ACLU of Ohio opposes this bill and urges the legislature to allow these children and young adults to contribute to this state and country by earning a college degree.